After a frantic few hours last night, FC Barcelona have decided that they will continue with Xavi Hernandez as their manager beyond this season.
A lot happened on Wednesday evening, with reports hinting that Xavi would be leaving before a meeting took place between him and sporting director Deco.
Simultaneously, there was a meeting at Joan Laporta’s house between himself and vice president Rafa Yuste, before they were joined by Xavi, Deco, and Alejandro Echevarria.
After a lengthy discussion, it was finally agreed between all parties that Xavi would continue as the manager of the Barcelona first-team setup.
Mundo Deportivo has now brought forward a report that outlines two major factors that played a key part in Xavi’s continuity.
Laporta sees Xavi as the best option
It is no secret that Joan Laporta has always been a staunch supporter of Xavi’s continuity and even though there were some doubts creeping in, the Barcelona president ultimately decided to stick with the club legend.
The president, seeing that he could not sign any of the coaches he considered ‘top’ to manage Barcelona, did not see another candidate capable of improving a squad that Xavi knows perfectly well and that he has made his own.
Especially, the fact that Xavi has bet on the young people coming through the academy who have consolidated themselves in the team swung the balance in his favour.
The total support of the players
Another major factor that ended up influencing Xavi’s continuity is the fact that he enjoys the complete support of the Barcelona players.
From day one they have been going up to the office to try to get the coach to reconsider his departure at the end of the season. Many have even spoken out publicly about their desire to see him stay on.
And the support of the players has been vital for Xavi to give his yes to continue for another year.
Beyond this, there is also the fact that Barcelona are confident of signing top players due to their optimism about the 1:1 rule and the full faith of the men in power at the club which played a role in Xavi’s decision.
